Timeline Monday 22 May 1775

Events on Monday 22 May 1775 1

• 1775 Parliament extends James Watt's steam engine patent Act secures Watt and Boulton's monopoly on improved steam power The British Parliament passed an act extending James Watt's patent on his improved steam engine for twenty-five years, protecting his partnership with manufacturer Matthew Boulton. The extension allowed the firm Boulton and Watt to commercialize the more efficient engine design. The technology went on to power the growth of British industry.